Christmas Shoebox Gifts for At-Risk Children

Christmas Shoebox Gifts for Kids Facing Hardship

“The Christmas program was an amazing blessing to all my kids. I couldn’t afford to get them any gifts this year and was blown away by the generosity. Some of the kids were in tears when they opened their gifts. Thank you for letting us participate in this program.”

— one of our “Hope Again” mothers

At Breakaway Outreach, we believe that a small gift can make a big difference in helping a child facing hardship begin to hope again.

Through our HOPE AGAIN Christmas outreach, we partner with community agencies, homeless missions, transitional living facilities, and domestic abuse shelters to serve children facing hardship during the holiday season.

You can spread the joy and hope of the Christmas Spirit with disadvantaged children and underprivileged kids in your region.

Pack shoeboxes with Christmas gifts for children affected by domestic violence, homelessness, transitional living, parental incarceration, financial insecurity, and other adverse childhood situations. Deliver the shoeboxes to a partner location in your area during the collection period, December 1-10. This is a simple way for churches, individuals, families, small groups, Sunday School classes, or office teams to share Christmas joy with kids in crisis.

HOW TO PACK A SHOEBOX

1. Find a Shoebox. Start with an average-size cardboard or plastic shoebox. If you want to wrap it, cover the box and lid separately. *Clear shoebox-sized bins are great as a reusable storage gift in lieu of cardboard shoe boxes, and are multi-purposeful in transitional living situations.

2. Girl or Boy? Decide whether you will pack a box for a girl or a boy, and the age category: 2-4, 5-9, 10-13, or 14-17. Indicate this by placing a label on the box. (Avoid choking hazard toys for ages 2-4).

3. Fill with Gifts. Select a quality “wow” toy such as a doll, soccer ball with pump, model car kit, stuffed animal or lego/art kit. Then add other fun toys, hygiene and/or school supplies, and “Jesus” celebration items. Remember, don’t seal the box shut.

4. Consider a Christian, family-friendly, or morally acceptable book. Contact us for a list of age appropriate fiction or non-fiction books that have been screened by our staff and deemed child/youth/family friendly and free of political/social agenda.

CHILDREN GIFT IDEAS:

Any toys (except guns/violent toys) and extra batteries for toys that need them
Educational board games or puzzles, reading books
Fidget toys, matchbox cars, robots, or STEM kits
Legos/building blocks
Sports Gear: Nerf footballs, soccer balls
Clothing and Accessories: socks, hats, sunglasses, hair clips, jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries), new socks, gloves, etc.
Dolls and action figures
Stationary gifts: fun pens/art tools, stickers, sketch pads, coloring and picture books, etc.
Hygiene Items: toothbrushes, bar soap, combs, washcloths, bath sets w/ combs and brushes, etc.
Crafts: Make your own items such as hair bows, finger puppets, bookmarks, and friendship bracelets.
A personal note.

TEEN GIFT IDEAS:

Art kits
Appropriate books, journals (our friend, Allison Tebo, has some fantastic teen and young adult books)
Sports equipment: footballs, basketballs (include miniature air pump for inflating)
Clothing and Accessories: socks, hats, sunglasses, hair clips, jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries), new socks, gloves, etc.
Hygiene items (soaps, gels, lotions, body spray, cologne, nail polish)
Gift cards (retail stores, theaters, and fast food chains)

Do Not Include: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.

4. Pray. Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift. You can also include a personal note and photo.

5. Drop-Off. Take your shoebox gift to a local/regional agency during the collection period (noted above).

Please fill out this volunteer form for more information about a delivery location in your area.

Want to give but can’t pack your own shoebox? You can make a tax-deductible donation and we will distribute the gift for you.

Sponsor a child today and give a Christmas blessing they will never forget!

The amount for child sponsorship for a shoebox gift is $25.

DONATE

*Clear shoebox-sized bins are great as a reusable storage gift in lieu of cardboard shoe boxes, and are multi-purposeful in transitional living situations.

“A wonderful ministry that serves children here and abroad. I first met the founder, Jimmy Larche, when he came to visit my church during mission conference. Since then I have served at Breakaway’s summer camp for trauma-impacted kids, as well as the sports in ministry in Dominican Republic. Jimmy has a powerful testimony that drives him to reach out with the love of God to kids who are struggling like he once was.”

Tyler

“I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for Breakaway Outreach. My father was incarcerated and I was sent into foster care. I started camp as a tiny little camper and now I get to serve as camp nurse! I graduated from Lee University with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I am currently working as a Nursery and Postpartum Nurse. Breakaway Outreach is exactly what it sounds like. It’s an outreach of family and community that all come together because we truly care about God’s children.”

Lacey

“This camp has been wonderful. You have helped me to find Jesus, the Lord. I have let Jesus into my heart. You have so many amazing people here and you have given me so much hope. God has given us all a chance to know and love each other. Thank you so much and I hope that I can keep coming back to camp.”

Maya

“Before the first year at camp, it was the lowest part of my life. I had lost my mother and sister in a tragic car wreck. I was being bullied at school and was planning to commit suicide when I received an invitation with a scholarship to attend Breakaway camp. I decided to put off the suicide plan and attend camp. It was the best decision I ever made. I gave my life to Jesus at camp and then Breakaway helped me get involved with a local church. My life still has ups and downs but I know now that God has me no matter what.”